Using the power of film, art and ideas, Mountainfilm inspires audiences to create a better world. Held every Memorial Day weekend, the Mountainfilm festival brings together a community of filmmakers and change makers, showcasing documentary films that celebrate adventure, activism, social justice, environment and indomitable spirit. We accept and screen feature and short films on a broad range of subjects. We are always interested in work that focuses on mountains (both symbolic and physical), mountain culture, and mountaineering, but we also showcase films about people who are dedicated to changing the world.

Mountainfilm promotes and encourages diversity behind the camera.

Mountainfilm in Telluride takes place the weekend of May 25–29, 2023.

If you have questions about the submission process, be sure to check out the Frequently Asked Questions and detailed Submission Guidelines on the Mountainfilm website.

Awards & Prizes

Best Documentary Feature: $5000
Audience Choice Award- Feature: $4000
Audience Choice Award- Short: $1000
Women in Film Award: $2500
Moving Mountains Award (supports a non-profit featured in a film): $1000 + $1500 to the filmmakers
Charlie Fowler Best Adventure Film: $2500
Best Short Film: $1000
Student Choice Award (awarded by a jury of local students): $1000

Rules & Terms

Eligibility Requirements

-Mountainfilm is a documentary film festival. If your film is not a documentary, please do not submit.
-Feature documentaries are 40 minutes and longer. Shorts are under 40 minutes, including credits.
-Film entries may be of any length, from any country and on any subject in keeping with our mission. Films should either be in English or include English subtitles.
-At this time, we do not accept VR projects.
-With few exceptions, Mountainfilm requires that films have not screened or been broadcast in Colorado prior to the festival. We take other previous screenings, broadcast and online availability into consideration when making official selections.
-For the 2023 festival, we are seeking films making their premieres after May, 2022.
-We will consider films that have had an online presence, though our preference is to highlight work that has not already reached a large audience.

Submission Guidelines: PLEASE READ!

-Only COMPLETE applications will be considered. This includes full contact information, listing of all directors and producers, film synopsis and specs, hi-res production stills, a trailer (features only), a Vimeo screener link and director headshot and bio.
-We strongly prefer Vimeo links over FilmFreeway's video uploads as it helps us in our screener process.
-Your screener link must remain active until June 15, 2023.
-Entry fees are non-refundable.
-If you are from an LMIC, a BIPOC filmmaker or a student, please contact us for a submission fee discount code/waiver.

Due to the number of submissions received, we unfortunately cannot provide feedback on entries.

17 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Josh Berman

    Mountainfilm 2023 was my favorite festival experience yet. From start to finish the Mountainfilm team rolled out the red carpet for everyone and made us feel welcome. Communication and organization was top notch. Programming and films were fantastic. Mountainfilm really strives to create a community atmosphere and sense of inclusion for filmmakers and attendants in a way that other festivals haven't quite pulled off. Very much looking forward to Mountainfilm 2024!

    June 2023
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  • Samuel-Ali Mirpoorian

    Mountainfilm is an absolutely incredible festival! This was my first time ever visiting the state of Colorado so I had zero clue what to expect from a tourist POV. Mountainfilm's hospitality, warmth, and community greeted me as if I were an old friend visiting for the hundredth time. If you're a documentary filmmaker looking to springboard your career in the right direction, submitting to Mountainfilm is an absolute must. On top of how wonderful it is - the festival takes place in a beautiful boxed canyon with stunning mountains at the backdrop of Main Street. 10/10 for Mountainfilm. I can't wait to return with my next film! :)

    May 2023
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  • Perpetuo Films

    Mountainfilm 2022 was an incredible experience. Premiering our short film DANI'S TWINS at the festival was a huge success, and the Mountainfilm staff went above and beyond to make the experience accessible to everyone. The festival truly embraces and celebrates documentary filmmakers, and I'm grateful to be part of the Mountainfilm family.

    June 2022
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  • Sally Rubin

    This is an absolutely incredible festival run by a group of powerful, competent, badass women. I echo what others have said- it is difficult and expensive to get to Telluride but SO worth the trek. Amazing town, incredible programming, an absolute must go-to fest.

    June 2022
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  • Michael Workman

    Mountainfilm is an incredible festival. Telluride is a truly awe inspiring place. The festival staff are so welcoming, excited and passionate. Mountainfilm cares about taking care of filmmakers, communication is clear, venues are amazing, parties are a blast and the atmosphere makes it easy to develop lasting friendships with the people you meet. The swag is also amazing :) It's hard and expensive to get to Telluride but so worth the trek.

    June 2022
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